If a patient carries a signed donor card or has otherwise recorded his/her wishes (e.g., by inclusion in the NHS Organ Donor Register, there is no legal requirement to establish lack of objection on the part of family/relatives (although the medical profession consider it good practice to take account of their views).

If a family member/relative objects to organ/tissue donation despite the known request by the deceased, medical staff will judge according to the circumstances of the case whether it is wise to proceed with organ removal.

Medical staff tend to consider the feelings of family/relatives, who may be under great stress. In practice, therefore, any objections raised by the family/relatives usually take priority over the deceased's wishes.